John Wesley Applewhite

On the evening of November 21, 2017, Mr. John W. Applewhite, 89 of Elkhart, IN passed to glory at Elkhart General Hospital.

Mr. Applewhite was born on August 28, 1928, in Sikeston, MO.  He was the cherished son of Elva and Albert Applewhite. 

By himself, at the age of 15, he relocated from Sikeston, MO to Elkhart, IN.  In the 1950’s, John married his former wife Mrs. Louise E. Gill (Applewhite).  This union provided him with his first child. 

During the 1940’s – 1970’s, Mr. Applewhite worked in the construction sector.  Throughout that time, he was employed by various reputable construction companies that specialized in commercial, industrial, and residential building.  Mr. Applewhite began as an “Unskilled Laborer,” and worked his way up to becoming a “Construction Coordinator.”  John only attended school until the sixth grade, so many could view the upward elevation in his career as a quality achievement.

In 1972, to begin his own company, Mr. Applewhite incorporated.  The company’s name was:  Applewhite and Son.  The company’s stapled slogan was, “There’s no job too big, and there’s no job too small.”  Under the umbrella of Applewhite and Son, John operated as a construction coordinator, real-estate developer and rehabilitator, and landlord (among other things).  Moreover, between 1983 and 2004, John was co-owner of A/G Mart (Dolly’s), a Convenience Store that served the Elkhart Community. 

John enjoyed over 36 years of loving companionship with his life partner Ms. Dolly L. Gregory (Applewhite), who survives him.  He is also survived by daughters Linda (Nate) Alexander of Columbus, OH; Ashlii Applewhite of Elkhart, IN; stepdaughters Arlene Gregory of Elkhart, IN; and Sonya Gregory-Harper of Elkhart, IN. 

Mr. Applewhite is survived by sons Mitchell (Charlotte) Applewhite of Bristol, IN; Johnny (Judy) Hence of Elkhart, IN; Jamie (Felicia) Hence of Pickerington, OH; Eric (Patrice) Hence of Fayetteville, GA; Courtney Applewhite of Washington, DC; Collin Applewhite of Washington, DC; Jonathan Applewhite of Elkhart, IN; Ashford Applewhite of Brooklyn, NY; and honorary son Kenneth Anderson of Elkhart, IN.  John is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family friends.

Mr. Applewhite was preceded in death by his parents Elva and Albert Applewhite of Sikeston, MO.  He was preceded by his former wife Louise E. Gill (Applewhite); sisters Lucille Carter, Virginia Sims, Lera Alexander, and Rosie Mae Grant; brothers Albert, Otis, Mose, and Samuel Applewhite; and special son Stanley Gill.  He was also preceded by many other loved ones.

Mr. Applewhite was a loving, caring, thoughtful, intelligent, and well accomplished gentleman.  Through his contributions, he will continue to live through us all. 

Long Live the Mr. Applewhite

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